The downtown Flagstaff Library will no longer be accepting batteries, CDs, MP3 players, and cell phones. This decision was a result of safety concerns, as well as the fact that the personnel resources needed to service the bin competed with more effective collection events like Drop-off Day. Despite the elimination of this drop-off bin, the proper disposal of hazardous waste is still as convenient as ever.

The City's Drop-off Day collection events take place every April and October, where residents can safely dispose of batteries, cell phones, CDs, latex paint, CFL light bulbs, sensitive documents, and all types of electronic waste. Flagstaff residents can also dispose of hazardous waste at the Hazardous Products Center (HPC), located at the Cinder Lake Landfill. The HPC is open 8 am to 3 pm, Monday through Saturday, where all types of household hazardous waste are accepted. For information on what items the HPC accepts, please visit www.flagstaff.az.gov/hpc.

The most popular item disposed of at the library was household batteries. While it is best to recycle household batteries by taking them to a collection event or the HPC, alkaline batteries are no longer manufactured with mercury and can actually be disposed of in your household trash. That is not the case with nickel cadmium, mercury-oxide, and silver-oxide button batteries, which still contain toxic heavy metals that pollute air and water.

The best option when considering batteries may be to switch to the rechargeable variety, which can be recharged up to 1,000 times, saving resources and reducing the number of single-use batteries ending up in the landfill.

Many commercial businesses located in town accept rechargeable batteries for recycling, as well as other forms of electronic waste. To find lists and maps of participating businesses and drop-off locations, visit Flagstaff’s recycling guide at www.recyclebycity.com/flagstaff/.

If you have any questions about these changes and how you can properly dispose of your waste, please contact Dylan Lenzen at 928-213-2158 or dlenzen@flagstaffaz.gov.